Small engine won't start

01 - Small Engine Spark Plug

Inspect the spark plug for signs of wear or damage. If the porcelain insulator is cracked, an electrode is burned away or damaged, or there is heavy carbon buildup at the electrode, replace the spark plug. To determine if the spark plug is defective, use a spark plug tester. You should see a strong spark between the tester’s terminals when the engine is cranking. If there is no spark, this indicates that the spark plug is defective and should be replaced.

Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product

Need help finding your model number?

Shop all Small Engine Spark Plug Parts

02 - Small Engine Carburetor

The carburetor might be clogged. A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the engine for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and prevent the engine from starting. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning the carburetor isn’t effective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor.

Shop all Small Engine Carburetor Parts

03 - Small Engine Ignition Coil

The ignition coil sends voltage to the spark plug while the engine is running. If the ignition coil is defective, the engine may not start. Before replacing the ignition coil, ensure that the spark plug is working properly. If you have confirmed that the spark plug is working properly, test the ignition coil with an ignition coil tester. If the ignition coil is defective, replace it.

Shop all Small Engine Ignition Coil Parts

Highly Likely

04 - Small Engine Flywheel Key

The flywheel key might have sheared in half. The flywheel key is a small metal piece which fits into the crankshaft and engages with the flywheel. If the engine stops suddenly, the flywheel key breaks in half to prevent damage to the engine. To determine if the flywheel key is broken, remove the flywheel from the engine and inspect the flywheel key. If the flywheel key is broken, replace it.

Shop all Small Engine Flywheel Key Parts

Highly Likely

05 - Small Engine Recoil Starter

The recoil starter assembly engages the crankshaft to turn over the engine. If the recoil starter assembly is defective, the engine won't start. Remove the starter assembly and inspect it to determine if it is working properly. When you pull the starter rope, tabs extending from the pulley and cam should grab the hub on the engine, causing the engine to turn. When you release the rope, the tabs should retract and the rope should rewind back on the pulley. If the recoil starter assembly is not working properly, replace it.

Shop all Small Engine Recoil Starter Parts

Highly Likely

06 - Small Engine Start Switch

If the start switch is difficult to turn or works intermittently, replace it. To determine if the start switch is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. The switch should have an open contact in the 'on' position and a closed contact in the 'off' position.

Shop all Small Engine Start Switch Parts

Common